29 July, 2026

ProCook outsources e-commerce logistics operation

Posted on 29 July, 202630 July, 2026 by Will Priestman

ProCook outsources its retail and e-commerce logistics operations to DHL, to improve efficiency, scalability and future operational capability

DHL Supply Chain has been appointed by ProCook in a strategic logistics partnership that will support the kitchenware retailer’s next phase of growth in the UK. The agreement marks the first time in ProCook’s 30-year history that it has partnered with a top-tier third-party logistics provider.

Under the partnership, DHL has assumed responsibility for operating ProCook’s 167,000 sqft Distribution Centre in Gloucester, managing both retail and e-commerce fulfilment activities. The transition has been completed successfully, with operations transferring to DHL without disruption to customers or stores.

By combining ProCook’s retail expertise with DHL’s supply chain capabilities, the partnership will support greater operational efficiency, flexibility and scalability as ProCook continues to grow its UK business.

Over the coming months, ProCook and DHL will deliver a joint improvement programme focused on enhancing operational performance and future capacity. This will include the implementation of DHL’s technology solutions, including a new Warehouse Management System, planned for deployment during the first half of 2027.

The partnership is also built on a strong cultural alignment between the two organisations, with a shared focus on colleague engagement, responsible business practices and creating great places to work.

Lee Tappenden, CEO at ProCook, said:

This partnership is an important milestone for ProCook. As we continue to grow, we wanted a logistics partner with the expertise, scale and capability to support our ambitions. DHL Supply Chain’s experience across retail and e-commerce logistics will help us build a more efficient and scalable operation, while maintaining the high standards of service our customers expect.

Spencer Conday, Managing Director, Retail and Ecommerce, DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, said:

We are delighted to partner with ProCook and support the next stage of its growth. The successful transition of the Gloucester operation is a testament to the close collaboration between our teams. We are particularly pleased to welcome ProCook’s colleagues into DHL and look forward to supporting their development as part of our business. We look forward to helping ProCook deliver greater efficiency, flexibility and long-term growth.

Powering Voice-Directed Precision

Posted on 29 July, 202630 July, 2026 by David Priestman

A two-decade partnership between a Danish retailer and its voice picking technology supplier has raised productivity.

Salling Group is one of Denmark’s leading retailers, supplying more than 1,700 stores, including Bilka, Føtex and Netto, with fresh food, ambient goods and general merchandise. Every week, the company serves millions of customers through a logistics network that must efficiently handle diverse product flows, fluctuating order volumes and a broad SKU assortment.

To ensure fast, accurate and reliable warehouse operations, Salling Group implemented LYDIA Voice from EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) nearly two decades ago. Since then, the retailer has continuously expanded its logistics network and modernized its IT landscape while repeatedly choosing LYDIA Voice to support these developments.

Today, LYDIA Voice is deployed in 15 distribution centres and supports the daily processing of up to one million picking lines, making it one of the largest voice installations in the region. The solution provides hands-free, voice-directed workflows that help maintain high quality and productivity, even during seasonal peaks. It also accompanied major operational changes, including Salling Group’s migration to SAP EWM. “We have expanded our logistics network and transformed our system landscape several times over the years,” says Dan Kaihøj, Enterprise Architect Logistics at Salling Group.

“LYDIA Voice has adapted to every stage of this development. The solution is reliable, flexible and easy to use. We wanted to be in control and make process changes ourselves, and LYDIA Voice lets us do that.”

Multilingual Support for a Diverse Workforce

Salling Group employs both permanent and seasonal staff across multiple regions. To simplify onboarding, LYDIA Voice is available in six languages: Danish, English, Polish, German, Russian and Colombian Spanish. Employees can start working immediately in their preferred language without voice template training.

“We hire the people we can, and LYDIA Voice follows,” Kaihøj explains. “The system works immediately in the user’s preferred language. This is a major advantage for daily operations and especially during seasonal peaks.”

Flexible Technology, Consistent Performance

Today, LYDIA Voice supports picking and packing for around 70% of Salling Group’s orders. Employees use wired or wireless headsets as well as the LYDIA VoiceWear picking vest, enabling ergonomic, hands-free work and greater focus on product handling.

Over nearly 20 years, voice-directed workflows have consistently improved picking speed, reduced errors and increased operational transparency. Faster onboarding enables seasonal workers to become productive immediately, while managers benefit from smoother operations, fewer support issues and consistently high performance across sites.

“LYDIA Voice helps us manage high volumes with dependable quality,” Kaihøj concludes. “It integrates smoothly with our systems and supports our teams across all locations. Over the years, we have built a strong partnership with EPG. Whatever idea we have, it’s possible. It’s not just about the solution; it’s about the company behind it.”

M&S Steps Towards Net Zero with New Electric Trucks

Posted on 29 July, 202630 July, 2026 by Will Priestman

M&S has announced the roll-out of ten new lower emission DAF XD electric trucks across its supply chain logistics fleet, including one first-of-its-kind electric truck. As part of its Plan A roadmap to Net Zero by 2040, M&S has committed to move to low carbon logistics, increased use of new technologies and cleaner fuels.

M&S is introducing new technologies to its fleet with a vehicle fitted with an integrated inverter that draws power from the vehicle’s main battery and converts it to supply the trailer’s refrigeration unit. Developed through the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure programme, this marks the first deployment of this technology on a DAF truck in the UK and reduces the need for diesel-powered refrigeration on chilled journeys. By enabling refrigeration to run on electricity rather than diesel, this innovation is a significant step forward in the transition towards fully electrified transport operations.

The new vehicles build on M&S’ electric fleet expansion and join 8 other zero-tailpipe emission battery electric HGVs and five battery electric Rigids. Five of the new vehicles are already in service and a further five will enter operations this year.

Mick Pethard, Group Fleet Manager at M&S, said:

Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambitions. We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and, through collaboration with Gist and DAF, we are able to trial new technologies, reduce carbon, save energy and drive operational efficiencies across the business.

M&S continues to innovate and invest in projects to reduce carbon emissions across its operations as part of its Plan A roadmap to Net Zero, including work to modernise its supply chain and trial technologies that can help lower the impact of moving products to depots and stores.

Multilingual Support for a Diverse Workforce

Flexible Technology, Consistent Performance

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